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Nebraska Transfer QB Daniel Kaelin Announces His Commitment

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 15, 2024 12:49 PM ET

Transfer quarterback Daniel Kaelin chose his new school on Sunday.

Kaelin entered the transfer portal earlier this month after redshirting his freshman year at Nebraska. The three-star recruit kept his commitment to Matt Rhule's program after the Cornhuskers landed top prospect Dylan Raiola, who started under center this season.

Kaelin confirmed his new home for the 2025 season, announcing Sunday that he's transferring to Virginia.

Per Jacquie Franciulli of 247Sports, Kaelin explained his decision to join the Cavaliers.

"After my name was in the portal, they were one of the first schools to reach out, and it was really clear how much they truly wanted me," Kaelin said. "They thought very highly of me as a player, so that's why I made a priority to get out there as soon as I could and visit, and I love the campus. It's a really cool area, but I think just overall, it's an incredible coaching staff."

Kaelin enrolled in Nebraska as the state's No. 4 recruit in the class of 2024. The Elite 11 quarterback accrued 36 passing touchdowns at Bellevue West High School as a junior.

As the third-string quarterback, Kaelin didn't receive any playing time at Nebraska. He watched Raiola lead the Huskers to a 6-6 season, earning their first bowl-game invite in eight years.

He'll leave for Virginia, which went 5-7 during Tony Elliott's third season as head coach. The Cavaliers haven't posted a winning record since going 9-5 under Bronco Mendenhall in 2019.

Virginia ranked 14th out of 17 ACC teams in total offense this season. Starting quarterback Anthony Colandrea entered the transfer portal after registering 13 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and 6.6 yards per attempt as a sophomore.

Tony Muskett, the only other quarterback to play for Virginia, concluded his fifth and final year of eligibility. As a result, Kaelin should have a chance to win the starting job this spring.

"I'm just excited to start throwing with the receivers and start building that connection," Kaelin told Franciulli. "...To get in the playbook and start building for something, something special to happen in the fall, which I think we can definitely get to."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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